Everyday is pretty exhausting for me. Physically, mostly. Today had been mentally gruelling, and I couldn't sleep.

I sat by the poolside. Blankly staring at the rippling water, reliving our conversation over and over again. There were so many things. So many things that had been hidden from me, that I had been lied to about. It hurt to think about it, a sharp twisting in my gut followed by the lump in my throat. It wasn't an easy thought to get used to, however the lump was getting more and more easier to push down.

It got slightly chilly, my aura helped ward off the brunt of it before I took me and my sorrows inside. I figured a warm bath and something to eat would maybe help me sleep, but then I just tossed and turned through the night. Morning dawned with heavy bags under my eye and a dark sky. Matched my mood anyway.

It started to pour as I left for work. The raincoat defended me from the worst of it as I cursed Water users all the way to the bakery. The awning over the front of it was a savior. Brett stood in the open doorway, warm air rushing towards me as I shrugged my raincoat off and hung it on the rack outside.

"I see someone slept well." Brett greeted me sarcastically as my own greeting failed to make an appearance. My own reply was a tired grunt as he followed me behind the counter. "Those are some heavy bags. What happened?"

I sighed as I shrugged my overshirt on. "Had some caffeine before bedtime. Before I knew it, it was five AM and I still couldn't sleep."

Brett chuckled. "You teens and your colorful sodas. I stick to fruit juices and a nice juice cleanse before bed."

"Yea. And that's why you're already an old man at 27."

Brett's protest was muffled as the doors to the kitchen swung shut behind me. This was a familiar environment. The inactivity yesterday had driven me crazy, I could work. I needed to work.

But baking is slow work. Lots of waiting, lots of free time... to think. I just wanted a reprieve from all that had conspired yesterday. All of that with Wafi, and then the life betrayal unveiling starring Mich was just draining me. I hadn't been able to sleep, I didn't have an appetite, my work wasn't helping. There was no way to get them off my mind.

"If you look anymore worried, you're going to age fifty years." Brett's voice cut through my fog of worrying about my worries.

I slowly looked up and as my face relaxed, realised I'd been frowning at the floor. "Um, sorry. I'm not slacking off or anything. Sunday mornings are slow and I'm waiting for the first few batches to bake."

Brett rolled his eyes and walked over to me. Learning against the kitchen top, he sighed. "You know, I'm not only your boss, I'm your friend too. You could talk to me."

I shook my head without hesitation. "I've never thought of you as anything but a friend, Brett. But I really can't talk about this to anyone. It's very... personal."

He nodded slowly. "Then you won't mind if I guess?"

I paused for a few to think it over. It's not like he's going to actually hit close to the truth because all of this seems crazy.

I mean, who could guess I'm actually a Royal who was accidentally abandoned at birth by my brother who went to look for our parents but then ended up with royalty while Mich somehow found me and took me to the human realm to raise me. Furthermore, I'd been lied to by Mich who'd denied knowing my parents and the actual reason we were moving around.

"Sure." I mumbled. "Knock yourself out."

"Okay!" Brett cheerily clapped. "It's obviously about a guy, because when isn't it." I guess you could say that. "Hmm, you like someone and they don't like you back?" My energetic eye roll made him reconsider his answer. "Someone likes you and you don't like them back?" This was going to get tiring real fast.

He threw out a few more suggestions. All revolving around 'a guy' till the bell sounded the entrance of a customer and he hurried away to accommodate them. I glanced at the watch, it was almost rush hour. I wouldn't be free that much and maybe, Brett wouldn't throw out anymore painfully normal sounding suggestions anymore.

My shift ended. I tried to extend it but Brett wasn't having anymore of it on 'account of my dark circles' and 'you need an early night to absorb some education in school tomorrow, I'm not having a stupid cook'. A bit of an overreaction but he's right, I guess. I can't hide in Anchor's kitchen. My home is starting to feel suffocating, despite its size.

I was relieved to get out of the house when morning showed its face. Even more relieved to see two other faces.

"You won't believe how much I've wanted this weekend to end." I greeted them as I took my spot in the backseat.

"Aww, we missed you too." Eric threw back with a chuckle as we set off. "Why? What happened?"

"You could have called us over." Flo offered. "I mean, you still haven't let us use your pool."

"This weekend." I let my head fall back on the headrest. "I promise."

"Wasn't Mich home?" Eric asked. "He comes home every weekend right?"

"Some big contract. Took him the weekend. He said he'll get me something to make up for it and try to head home early." I sighed. "I was thinking about calling you guys over."

"Next time, pick up the phone and do so." Flo threw back. "I'm mostly free on weekends."

I hummed my reply as I let my eyes flutter shut. Didn't get a full night's sleep but just enough. I'm running on fumes at this point. I couldn't last long this way. It was killing me.

During school hours, I was zoning out. There were a few comments by Leaf on my heavy baggage. Haha, thanks, like I didn't bother to look in the mirror today. Got caught dozing twice. Good part about this school was that they didn't give you detention, because that would interfere with training. What they did give was extra homework and made you sign up for volunteer work. What I mean to say is, I've got two seminars to give next week and about three extra papers to complete.

Yes, great idea. A kid dozing off in class due to lack of sleep could do with lesser sleep. Thanks for the homework because I don't have enough to stress about now, do I?

Rhaeya, of course, noticed my irritation and decided to work upon increasing it.

"Come on, Fiera!" She growled as she moved forward and jabbed me in the side before I could react. "You're actually fighting worse than you ever have!"

I hissed in pain and stepped away from her but she gave me no reprieve. Just kept forcing me to defend, but I had no way to retaliate. I was slow, and I could barely process her attacks. I could  block a majority of them but I wasn't able to land a solid hit of my own. That frustrated me to no end, and Rhaeya, to her own end.

"Goddamnit, Fiera!" She finally exploded, her guard went down as her fists clenched by her side. "Just when I was making some goddamn progress with you! It's like you took two steps forward and three back! Is nothing I'm trying to teach you sinking in?! How do you expect to fi-" she cut herself off at that as she restrained herself from blurting out what I'd told her. Instead she just shook her head, turned around and walked away.

I let my own guard fall, lack of sleep resulted in a lack of emotion. But I was relieved to be left alone. I was too tired to even feel awkward at the eyes turned towards me due to Rhaeya's outburst. My body slumped into the chair as I rested my head in my hands and tried to slow my racing heart. I was exhausted. This had stretched me beyond my limit and all I could think about was collapsing once I got home. If not for work.

Rhaeya seems tired of me, maybe I could hit the ranges. We'd started target practice with fire projectiles recently and surprise, surprise, I was better than any in my class. I wasn't happy with how they came out. Barely hit the target, half dissipated on the way there, wobbled, core was unstable. But... just a few... more minutes.

My head slipped out of hands and I was jerked awake at the falling sensation. Shaking my head, I inhaled deeply once more to calm my heart before I got up. I had to get through this.

My phone pinged right as I was about to walk away. I paused and turned to pick it up. One new message blinked on the front screen, showing me it's contents. It was by Wafi. I'd named him 'Max W.' on my phone in case someone got curious.

See you today, sis. :)

Great.

Just... great. Now Wafi was going to show up. I know he was my brother and that he was happy he found me but... I just wanted to be alone and in my own bed right now. I glared at his message as I headed towards the main school building to freshen up before leaving as usual. I'd texted him to ask what time he was coming and his reply came almost immediately.

In a few hours. See you then. :)

Wasn't he in a happy mood. I sighed and quickly texted him to come tomorrow. I had work and homework, and more work.

Locking my phone, I entered the bathroom. The water felt heavenly as it poured onto my head and dripped off my nose. Just a few more hours. Just a few... more... hours.

I felt refreshed, but not reassured as I turned my feet towards Anchor. Eric and Flo waved goodbye to me as the drove past me to exit the parking lot and I wished for some company. Any company while I headed towards work. It's only Brett and me there. Not that I mind, he's fun. I would prefer to be able to spend more time with my friends.

Brett didn't comment on my exhausted look this time. Just threw me a worried glance as I shuffled into the kitchen. He followed in a while.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked softly. "You look horrible."

"I know." I replied. I shrugged off my bag to shrug my overshirt on. "I do look in mirrors, you guys don't need to keep reminding me."

"Well," Brett crossed his arms as he leaned against the doorsill. "It's not rush hour for a while and we've got more than enough to keep any early customers happy." He paused. "You can catch a wink or two on one of the tables."

I stared at him in silence for a while. He shifted uncomfortably. I nodded slowly with my overshirt half on. "Not going to lie. That sounds great. Thanks. I'll take it."

Brett gave a relieved smile. "If you want to eat something, you can."

I smiled back, the first genuine smile of the day. "Thanks, but maybe after a nap."

He nodded and stepped aside as I headed towards the cornermost table to set up a temporary stand. He's the sweetest boss anyone could have. I threw him one last smile as he watched me from behind the counter. What a sweet guy.

I was out like a blown candle. Brett shook me awake to what seemed to me like a second later. I rose from my slumber with a soft yawn and looked up blearily at him. "Mor... ning?"

He chuckled as he patted my shoulder. "It's still the afternoon but an hour and change later. The customers are rolling in already. They need an empty table and I need a cook."

"You got both." I replied as I stood up. "What are the orders, boss?" Wobbled a bit at the headrush.

"Two cold coffees, one chocolate milkshake, three brownie fudge sundae, two grilled cheese sandwiches."

"Did you collect all these orders before waking me up?"

"Yup."

"How efficient." I sighed. "I feel a little better now but it will be a while before I'm at optimum functionality so ask the customers to be patient."

"Got it. Just glad you're feeling better."

I threw a smile over my shoulder at Brett as I stepped behind the counter and disappeared into the kitchen.

It did take a while, yes. But nothing like a nice hustle and bustle to wake you up quicker than coffee. I pumped out baked goods, cold treats, drinks as fast as I could and it was fun. My problems didn't seem to weigh down on me as much. Maybe a good night's sleep tonight would make me feel a little better about my whole situation in general.

A few hours in, the rush hour was over. I cleaned the counter top as I hummed because I felt great in general after so long. That was before Brett burst in. I looked up from the shiny counter at his wide eyes and frowned. He spoke first.

"How would you like to earn a little extra money?" Was the first thing he said.

I cocked an eyebrow. "I've not even worked here an entire month and I'm already getting a raise? Sweet."

"Not a raise. Some extra money."

"Depends." I kept the dishrag aside and turned to face him. "What is it?"

"Waiting... a table." He glanced behind him.

"A table? Aren't we self-service? What's so special about this table?"

"There are two Prince Regents sitting on it." My gut curled.

The texts from earlier started to feel omnious. "... and?"

Brett was shocked. He sputtered. "And?! These are the first Royals in my humble establishment! I want a good review." He pointed at the floor. "This place runs on word of mouth."

I rolled my eyes. "Calm down, Brett. I'll do it. Just find it annoying that you're rolling out the red carpet for them." There are two Prince Regents. They can't both be my brother.

"Every place does it. If I don't, it will be a scandal. I do have regular customers out there." He rubbed his goatee. "You know I wouldn't ask you if I wasn't desperate?"

"I know, I know." I wiggled out of my overshirt. "Pass me an apron. And give me a notepad or something." Atleast I know how to deal with Royalty.

He gave me his own apron, and pulled a notepad out of his bag. It had a grocery list in it and a fire breathing dragon on the front cover. I received a sheepish smile as I admired the drawing before I walked out the door and immediately stumbled back in.

Oh no. Oh no no no no no.

I twisted to glare at Brett. My eyes were as wide as bis when he'd walked in. "You never told me which two Prince Regents it was!" I hissed. "Go and serve them yourself, I can't!"

"Why?!" Brett hissed back. "You just sa-"

"That's because I didn't know it was the Fire and Water Prince Regents! I'm not on good terms with either of them!" One, actually.

"Wait." He frowned and leaned away in confusion. "You know them?"

I paused. I couldn't tell him anything so I just shrugged. "I... bumped into them here and there."

He rolled his eyes as he heard that. "They bump into a lot of people. Probably don't even remember you. Go." With that, he gave me a hard push.

I stumbled through the door once more. My head turned to glare at Brett as it closed behind me. The entire cafe had their eyes on me as I turned to the front again. I gave them a shit-eating smile. "Slipped on some oil." They stared at me weird and turned away but two pairs of eyes were still on me.

One in angry surprise, and one in excitement. Chris and Wafi. Was his name Chris? Or was it longer?

I sighed and brushed my apron off before I slipped out from behind the counter. My steps were aimed towards them. Wafi was impeccably dressed as usual. Light wash denim with a simple black polo stretched over his muscles. Chriswhatever dressed similarly with a red button down open to show a plain black undershirt. Also, impeccable muscles.

Don't stare.

"Good afternoon." My voice might have been slightly dead. "Welcome to Anchor. May I take your orders?"

Chrissomething had fixed me with a glare while Wafi grinned up at me. The little shit. He's going to get it. I’m disowning him again.

There was no reply for a few seconds. I cleared my throat and twisted towards Christired. "Sir?"

He exhaled softly and relaxed his features before shaking his head. "We're waiting on someone." Oh no. Elizabeth.

"Actually, I'm starving." Wafi piped up cheerily. I'm going to strangle him. "She'll eventually show up. Let's order, Christopher."  Right, like the saint.

Pfft, I'm more saintly than his royal, spoilt ass.

My disdain towards Christopher was visible and that seemed to sour his face again as I turned away from him to Wafi. "What would you like, sir?"

Wafi perused the menu. I perused ways to take my revenge. "Why don't you recommend something?" He looked up from it. "What is the best thing the cook makes?"

I coughed into my hand to hide my irritation. "Pretty much everything. The mushroom puffs Brett makes, and they're pretty good. So are the things you see in the case."

"So, what do you recommend?" Christopher asked, making me look at him.

"Well, I would recommend a kiddie meal for you but you're free to make your own decisions." Christopher's jaw dropped open at my impudence as Wafi chuckled.

"A bit more grown up meals, please." He requested.

I shrugged. "Whatever you choose, it's all good. I'm the cook."

"And the waitress?" Christopher scoffed. "Top notch establishment."

I scowled down at him. "It's self-service here. My boss asked me nicely to serve you because you're too weak apparently to walk the distance from here to the counter."

He scowled back at me as he sat up straight. "I let you go for talking to me like that the first time because you were injured. Have some respect."

"You guys have met before?" Wafi blurted out in surprise.

"No." I replied.

"Yes." Christopher cut me off. "Unfortunately."

"The pleasure wasn't mine either." I retorted. My eyes moved to Wafi who had a confused, if pleading, look on his face. Pleading me to drop it.

I closed my eyes and exhaled softly. I was doing this for Brett, not me. "I apologize for my behavior. Can I take your orders?"